NBA: Pelicans oust Spurs in play-in phase
LOS ANGELES – Facts New Orleans Pelicans proved too strong for a young San Antonio side in the Western Conference’s surprise knockout, winning 113-103.
CJ McCollum lead the standings with 32 points as the Pelicans advance to a win or go ahead against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday.
The winner of that game will advance to the playoffs in the first round against the top-seeded Phoenix Suns.
However, New Orleans was spooked by San Antonio after the Spurs slowly trailed a 21-point deficit early in the fourth quarter to just six points behind with about five minutes left.
But eight points in the closing stages from Brandon Ingram, who finished with 27, and a superb defensive performance from Jonas Valanciunas (22 points, 14 rebounds, two blocks) resolved the Pelicans’ anxiety and close the victory.
“I think we’ve done a good job of showing poise over the long haul,” McCollum said. “We had some flaws, but it was all a good defensive effort.”
The loss could be the last NBA game in the stellar career of veteran San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich.
The 73-year-old has led the Spurs to five NBA championships but has faced growing speculation about his future this season, with many around him suggesting he could win. technology after 26 seasons.
Popovich however was quick to quash questions about whether he plans to return next season.
“That question is inappropriate,” Popovich told a reporter, preferring instead to focus on the development of his youth team, who have an average of 24.
“We’ve never been out of work all year, and tonight is a prime example,” Popovich said. “We didn’t play well in three-quarters of the game and the three best New Orleans players all played great. If that happens, you lose if you don’t match it.”
“It was the playoffs. Physicality and grunts are really important, and we didn’t have it for three quarters,” he added.
“Great lessons for our boys. I don’t know if it’s a huge situation or not… Our youth showed up until we gathered ourselves, but it took too long.”
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